Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and indulgent baked pasta dish featuring layers of creamy Alfredo sauce-coated spaghetti, a flavorful Cajun-seasoned ground beef marinara, and a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This crowd-pleaser combines classic Italian flavors with a decadent twist, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces (1 pound) spaghetti noodles (cooked al dente)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
Alfredo Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, finely diced onion, and bell pepper along with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Break the beef into crumbles and cook for about 10 minutes until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce and reduce heat to low. Let the meat sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Meanwhile, in a dutch oven or large stock pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Spaghetti and Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the Alfredo sauce and toss to fully coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spoon the simmered meat sauce over the Alfredo-coated spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the meat sauce. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with dried parsley flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is popular for its rich, creamy, and flavorful layers that make a filling and satisfying meal loved by all ages.
- Ensure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- You can prepare the meat sauce and Alfredo sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 887 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
